Naper Settlement’s ‘Celebration of Craft Beer’ features hops and history

April 27, 2013

Where history comes to play

Naperville, IL — Get a “hop” on summer during the third annual “Celebration of Craft Beer” from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. During this unique event, beer lovers can stroll the museum grounds, stop in the historic buildings, enjoy a picnic-style dinner and taste craft beers from over 14 exceptional breweries. In response to popular demand, new this year is a gluten-free beer and organic beers.

“What makes our craft beer celebration special is that our guests visit the historic buildings, sample the beers and learn about the featured brewery in a relaxed, intimate setting,” said Debbie Grinnell, Vice President, Museum Services. “From its start three years ago, it’s become a favorite annual tradition at Naper Settlement.”

Participants will enjoy up to 12 tastings from 25 featured beers, food, live music, a raffle of beer-related items and more. In each historic building, brewery representatives will talk about their specialty beers and the history of the breweries. Learn about the history of Naperville’s very own Stenger Brewery, which was in its heyday from 1849 to the 1890s.

John Schamberger, Vice President of Marketing for Schamberger Brothers, Inc., is the third generation to run one of the oldest family-owned beverage distributorships in the entire country. This year, the company is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

A Naperville resident for over 20 years, Schamberger helped launch the first Celebration of Craft Beer in 2011. “The history of Naperville is here and there is nothing else like it,” he said. “I’m proud to partner with Naper Settlement to help them raise money for the organization.”

In Century Memorial Chapel, The Church Street Brewing Company, whose motto is “Righteously Good Beer,” will be sampling Brimstone IPA and Continental Lager. Church Street is a newcomer to the craft beer scene, but has made a huge splash since its founding in 2011 by Joe and Lisa Gregor in nearby Itasca.

Chet Brett, brand manager for The Church Street Brewing Company, said its beers are brewed in a traditional style, so if it’s a German-style beer, the hops and barley will come from Germany. That attention to detail and authenticity is what brings beer enthusiasts to their brewery in Itasca and what beer lovers at Naper Settlement will enjoy when they stop in the chapel for the aromatic, tangerine-hued Brimstone IPA and the malty, golden Continental Lager.

“When we partner with civic organizations, we can help tell their story to our customers through our social media postings and our event schedule,” Brett said. “These organizations do great work and by helping share their stories, the community benefits.”

VIP tickets purchased prior to May 20 for $60/person; $35/designated driver, include early entry at 6 p.m., special appetizers, a gift pack with two brewery glasses and a t-shirt. Advance tickets are $40/person; $25/designated driver. At the gate, tickets are $50/person; $25/designated driver. Limited tickets will be available at the gate. Tickets are available online at www.napersettlement.com.

About Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society

Naper Settlement is a nationally accredited, award-winning outdoor museum set on 12 magnificent acres in the heart of Naperville. Our grounds are where history comes to play and community comes to connect. The Naperville Heritage Society is the administrator of Naper Settlement. With a commitment to the community and a focus to the future, the mission of the Naperville Heritage Society is to collect, document, preserve and support the history of Naperville, Illinois, past and present. For more information, visit napersettlement.com or call (630) 420-6010.